HISStory

Time is fundamental for everything we do. I truly believe every single moment of our lives is precious and needs to be cherished. Yes, even the sad times. Because in order to evolve and appreciate the good moments, we need to experience the sad moments too. After all, we can't escape either of them. And that's the beauty of life!

I remember Hikaru telling me about a species of jellyfish that can reverse their own life cycle, making them, in theory, immortal! Isn't that amazing? However, I don't know if I ever want to be immortal myself. I feel like it's a trap. I mean, they say time flies when you're having fun. But how come that doesn't apply to homework? Because, from my experience, time flies the fastest when you're stuck on a math problem you can't solve.

Speaking of time, today is Sunday, and it's the day we're having our "3 Leaf Clover Offline Meeting!" This brings back so many memories! We used to meet up a lot and talk about anything and everything. Now that we're older, we don't have that luxury anymore.

Like most people, I sometimes wish I could go back in time and relive some memories or conversations. But when it comes to my two best friends, I don't really need a time machine because I remember the day we met like it was yesterday!

Rika and I met when we were both babies. Our parents were friends with each other, so we used to play together a lot! It helped that we were neighbors as well. Growing up, Rika always had a taste for fashion! From a young age, she was quick to establish her own signature hairstyle: the braided ponytail. Even now, Rika says she refuses to grow up, and that's why she still does her hair like that ten years later.

When I was six years old, I remember my mom telling me a story about how four-leaf clovers bring good luck to the person who finds them. Despite knowing how rare they were, I was still intrigued and wanted to find one really badly! So I decided to make that my main mission!

It was a beautiful day in spring, and I went to the park with Rika. She decided to join the other kids at the monkey bars, and I began hunting for some four-leaf clovers on my own. While I was searching for the lucky clover near a bush, I saw the leaves move, followed by some hissing. Then, all of a sudden, a kitten jumps out of the bush and catches me off guard. I dropped the clovers I was holding and took a few steps back.

The kitten stopped moving and started analyzing me from head to toe. I was a little scared, but I didn't want to abandon my quest either, so I decided to ignore the little feline and to continue searching.

As I began to get closer to a patch of clover, the kitten started running towards me and ended up scratching me! I instantly fell down and started crying from the shock. Then, at the speed of light, the kitten started climbing the nearest tree. This cat must have been responsible for the beginning stages of my ailurophobia. I'm sure of it!

When I saw blood coming out, I began crying even louder! Rika stopped playing and ran to my rescue. She noticed my scars and saw the cat in the tree. She stopped to think for a moment, and then she told me:

"Did this little kitty scratch you?" Rika asked.

"Y-yes!" I said this while crying.

"Don't worry, I will bring the kitty down and make it apologize to you!" the girl replied with a frown.

Rika was more adventurous than me, that's for sure! Climbing trees was one of her hobbies, especially since this one wasn't that tall. However, at the moment, she was still unaware of how unpredictable cats were. The poor kitten must have been scared because when Rika got closer, the cat jumped at her, making her lose her balance.

All I could do was stare in shock as Rika fell down the tree. A neighbor that was there with us saw the whole thing and immediately called an ambulance, as well as Rika's parents. Then I rushed to my own parents and told them the whole story.

Shortly after, we all went to the hospital to check on Rika. And I was crying the whole time, blaming myself for her fall. My parents tried to calm me down many times, saying it wasn't my fault. But I refused to listen to them.

While we were waiting for updates on Rika's health, I noticed that a boy was staring at me. He was around my age, and he was holding a book in his hands too. I didn't think anything of it, since I would probably stare too if I saw a crybaby like myself out in public.

The boy would often avoid my gaze and kept talking with his father. I found it suspicious, and that was enough to distract me from crying, at least for a little bit. After a few minutes, the boy got up from his seat. This time, he had left his book with his dad, and now he was holding a small, colorful bag. He slowly made his way towards me and said:

"Hi! My name is Hikaru. I don't know why you're crying, but these gummy bears are going to make you feel better! I promise!" he said while avoiding eye contact with me.

"Thank you. But I can't eat them until I know my friend is okay," I said, wiping away my last tears.

"Can I sit here with you? My dad says I will have to wait a little bit more for my check-up." Hikaru said.

I agreed, and I started telling him everything about Rika's accident. We both sat down for a few minutes, patiently waiting for updates. When the doors opened, and I saw her parents, I got up and ran towards them as fast as I could. Rika was also there with them, with one arm bandaged.

"I'm so sorry! Please forgive me! This was all my fault!" I started crying again.

"Akio, don't cry! It's not your fault!" Rika's parents said this while crouching down on my level.

"Yes, it is! Rika wanted to bring the cat down because of me!" I said, crying even louder.

"Akio, please don't cry! I'm ok! My arm doesn't hurt that much! And the doctor said I will have to wear this cast for 4 or 6 weeks. Isn't it cool? I wonder if I can write on it, or maybe even paint! I have so many ideas!" Rika says, pointing at her arm.

I felt relieved, knowing that Rika wasn't in too much pain. I didn't notice at the time, but Hikaru was right there behind me, listening to our conversation.

"Hello! What's your name?" Rika asked while looking at the shy boy.

"My name is Hikaru!" he said while looking at the ground.

"Nice to meet you!" Rika said.

"Your arm must hurt. Here, have some gummy bears; it will make you feel better! Akio, you too! Please stop crying and take one! I have plenty, so don't worry!" Hikaru said this while blushing.

"Thank you, Hikaru! I wish I had something with me to repay you. All I have in my pocket is a three-leaf clover," I said.

"That's perfect!" Rika shouted.

Hikaru and I both looked confused.

"We all met here because of this tiny plant! From now on, let's call ourselves the 3 Leaf Clovers and stay friends!" said Rika.

Until this day, I still hadn't been able to find the lucky clover. However, I believe the three-leaf clover is more valuable than luck because it brought me a friendship I could never replace!

Oops! It looks like I lost track of time while reminiscing, and now I have to get ready for our meeting! I better get dressed or I'll be late!